Online job-hunting is the trend nowadays because it is simple, fast, and convenient for both employers and applicants. However, be reminded that if it is easy for jobseekers to apply and get jobs online, it is also easy for scammer and fake recruiters to conduct their illegal activities.

So extra caution and vigilance must be observed at all times.The following are a few reminders to bear in mind:

Don’t readily give cash

Think twice before giving money to a supposedly job offer that requires you to shell out a certain amount of payment. It is not common practice for legitimate recruitment agencies to ask for payment to applicants right away.

A foreign company/agency that requires you to send money is most probably a scam. Some scammers will even offer a money-back guarantee but will disappear once payment is made.

Note:

WorkAbroadToday.com does not solicit fees from applicants. Report to WorkAbroadToday.com any company or agency who are requiring payment in behalf of the website.

Be suspicious of unsolicited e-mails

Remember that many unsolicited emails are fraudulent. If you get a job offer through e-mail, ask yourself these questions before responding. Is the company/recruitment agency legitimate? How did the sender get your e-mail address? Have you sent an application to this company/recruitment agency?

Note:

A jobseeker’s résumé or personal information will only be available to registered recruiters.

Do your research.

As always, checking if you are dealing with a licensed recruitment agency is necessary. Check the agency’s history and if it has a good standing with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

If you get a job offer by an overseas company, check with the Embassy of that country if the company offering employment does exist.

Note:

Scammers are able to lure jobseekers to comply with their requisites by offering false promises. If a certain job offer appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Be well informed

For any job offers, do not forget to ask for references. Request the name of the employer, the name of the company as well as their contact information such as address and telephone numbers. Avoid agencies that operates only through telephone or mail. A legitimate placement agency will require personal appearance before it can market you to an employer.

Check the website

Send in job application only to websites containing the following information: The real name of the persons involved, (not just a company or business name), a telephone number, and a street address (not just a P.O. Box).

Note:

Always check if the company/ website received any complaints in the past.

Keep some personal information confidential

Online resumes require personal information such as educational background and work experiences. Fill only the fields that is necessary for employers to evaluate your competence for the job.

Note:

Financial information like Credit Card or Bank Account Numbers are not necessary and may even be used to steal your identity.